§ 51. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Prime Minister whether the pronouncement by the Secretary of State for the Colonies at Lagos on 17th September that no country can be self-governing without being economically independent represents the views of His Majesty's Government?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend is presumably referring to what was said by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies at a meeting with representatives of the Press in Lagos on 12th September. I have not seen a verbatim record of this, but should 202 prefer to await the text before expressing any opinion upon it.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs it wrong then to assume that the report published in the newspapers and emanating from Reuter is inaccurate, because the report definitely used the words have used in this Question?
§ The Prime MinisterI prefer to await a full report. There are reports of our speeches—and we have all gone through the experience—which you could not say were inaccurate, yet, on the other hand, you had to be tried for your life for them, you would like to be sure that the exact words were on record or otherwise.
§ Mr. DugdaleCan I have an answer if I put the Question at a later date?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, certainly.